Protease and Amylase in the digestive tract ofBarbus paludinosus

1. Protease and amylase activity in the digestive system ofBarbus paludinosus Peters (Pisces, Cyprinidae) has been investigated.
2. Chromatographic analysis showed seven amino acids to be present in both the anterior and posterior intestine. Only leucine, phenylalanine, valine, glycine and aspartic acid were positively identified.
3. In the anterior intestine chromatography revealed two sugars, but only one in the posterior intestine which was identified as glucose.
4. The pH of the intestinal fluid was found to be 5.8 and 7.8 for the fore and hind gut respectively, This correlates well with the enzyme pH optima found in in vitro experiments.
5. Protease and amylase activity was found throughout the digestive tract. Maximum proteolytic activity being present in the anterior intestine. Amylase activity is similar in both regions of the gut.
6. Correlation between the digestive enzymes and the fishes diet is briefly discussed.